Laws designed to silence: The global crackdown on civil society organizations

21 February 2019, Index number: ACT 30/9647/2019

Civil society organizations and human rights defenders around the world who speak out against unjust laws and government practices, challenge public opinion or those in power, and demand justice, dignity and freedom, are being increasingly targeted. In this context, an alarming global trend has surfaced in which states are introducing and using laws to interfere with the right to freedom of association and to hamper the work of civil society organizations and individuals who participate in them. This report shows how this phenomenon is widespread and increasing in all regions.